In the end, "it all comes down to a single moment, whether you stay up or go down. Then the game took a turn we didn't want," Hecking explained, referring to the early red card for Joakim Maehle (14'). The second yellow card was "not in question." However, regarding the first booking, the 61-year-old criticized referee Felix Zwayer for lacking "finesse."
Hecking's future after relegation uncertain
He had "a completely different view" of the incident, said Hecking. Maehle was "attacked three times, then three players come at him, and if that's not violent conduct from Bilbija, then we might as well stop. We could complain about that too, but it's pointless." The match was "decided" and they had to congratulate Paderborn on their promotion after their 2-1 defeat after extra time.
Hecking left it open what this first relegation to the second division in 29 years means for his own future. "For me, the disappointment is also there first and foremost, that we didn't make it. We'll have to let it sink in for a day or two and then certainly talk about it," said Hecking. Now, they first have to "deal with the disappointment and then get back up again," said supervisory board member Diego Benaglio. In the dressing room, "tears" were shed.